Role of protein adsorption in the bio corrosion of metallic implants - A review

Implants are exposed to a complex physiological environment that contains various organic compounds, especially proteins. The adsorption of proteins has an immense influence on the corrosion, biocompatibility and wear properties of implantable metals. Proteins engage in multiple processes that could potentially inhibit or promote metal degradation, depending on the type of proteins, their concentration and the properties of the implant material. In the bio corrosion process, proteins are denatured and transform into a film on the metal surface, inhibiting corrosion. This film is found on many retrieved artificial joints, especially on worn areas, and can protect the passive film from scrapping due to its lubricating effect, thus decreasing tribocorroion. On the other hand, the interactions of metal ions with proteins (and amino acids) create colloidal organometallic complexes. Transport of the complex compounds away from the interface increases dissolution rates; thus, it accelerates the corrosion of metallic implants. The influence of protein adsorption on the corrosion behaviour of metallic biomaterials is presented in this review. Biocompatible metals that are favourably used as implants such as stainless steel, Co-Cr alloys, Ti alloys and biodegradable Mg and Fe alloys are specifically addressed. We have highlighted the adsorption phenomenon of protein on metallic implants, the interaction of proteins with metallic implants and the role of protein adsorption on implant biocorrosion behaviour as well as their wear resistance.